CLX to convene Chicago’s Computer Science (CS) Ecosystem

The Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX) is excited to announce that it will lead efforts in Chicago to convene and advance equity in computer science through CSforCHI, a new collaborative project that will continue to nurture and connect the computer science learning ecosystem.

CLX will work in partnership with Chicago Public Schools’ Office of Computer Science, Chicago Public Libraries (CPL), Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS), Northwestern University Office of Community Education Partnerships (OCEP), and CLX nonprofit partners including We All Code, Project Exploration, Project Syncere, and others. Together, we hope to create a strategic plan for Chicago’s CS ecosystem that includes avenues to increase awareness, access, opportunities, and pathways in K-12 computer science education for Chicago youth, educators, and families.

74 regions responded to the national competition. CLX and our partners are proud to be one of 10 awardees selected by Computer Science for ALL (CS4ALL) in partnership with Schmidt Futures. CSforCHI also received generous matching support from Lego Education.

Historically overlooked communities are systematically left out of innovative pathway creation and advanced learning opportunities like computer science. According to Code.org, “...schools reaching the most diverse student groups are less likely to offer CS, so students at these schools never have the chance to learn.” Although there is a great need, currently there isn’t enough systematic support to meet the growing workforce demands.

CLX is prepared to lead the charge in closing these gaps in computer science learning and workforce. Join us and follow along via @CLXchange #CSforCHI for real-time updates.

For more information about CLX’s involvement in the Ecosystems for CS initiative please read the CS4ALL announcement from Medium.com.